The Montana Historical Society is seeking nominations from across the state to honor the people who are the backbone of local and state history.

Every community has a person, or an organization, to whom they turn with questions about the history of the people and the events that have shaped the cities, towns and rural areas in which they live. Each year at the Montana Historical Society’s History Conference the MHS trustees present two Heritage Keeper Awards to honor those guardians of local history.

Nominations must honor living individuals who have demonstrated commitment to significant local or statewide history projects or to the identification and preservation of objects, buildings, or sites that tell important stories about the Treasure State’s past.

Examples of potential nominees include educators, authors, genealogists, historians, preservationists, archivists, or any other person or group devoted to the preservation and interpretation of Montana’s heritage and culture.

Nominations must include the official nomination form, a brief explanation of the extent and significance of the body of work of the nominee, and can include supporting documentation of things like news articles, commendation, letters of support, photographs, and other examples of the nominees’ work.

Nominations can be made online at http://www.montanahistoricalsociety.org then click on top of the page “About MHS,” and then click on Montana Historical Society Trustees, and at right of that page click on “Trustees Heritage Keeper Award.” Those who don’t have access to computers, or who have questions, can contact Joy Lewis at 406-444-1799 for the nomination form or other information.

Nominations for the Heritage Keeper awards must be submitted by March 16.